Page 70 of Broken

Any frustration I may have had dissipated with that, and I rushed over to lay beside her in bed, kicking off my shoes as I went. “Let me see. And I want you to tell me everything.”

Chapter 19

ISABEL

Annie and I stayed up late that night, talking and reminiscing, even taking moments to try to picture the future. It was like an ache to know how little dance would be a part of mine now. My doctor had cleared me to dance long enough to help Leo with his audition next month, but I knew the second the school staff knew I was pregnant, Ms. Teiger wouldn’t dare let me keep performing. Practice or otherwise.

And if I had to sit out of those, it would only be days at best before the student body figured out something was up. So, I’d somehow gotten Mom to agree to keep it under wraps until after Thanksgiving break. We only had a couple of days this week before the break, anyway. But as much as I was going to miss being on the dance team, I hated letting Leo down even more. I’d been putting it off, saying I was sick this past week, but hedeserved to know the truth. He’d have to replace me and get a new partner for the spring. Maybe for longer.

Everything in me rebelled at the idea, but I had no choice. I’d made my bed, and now I had to lie in it. I had to think about my daughter. Try not to think of how terrified I was, of the change and the unknown. How so much of my life now had to be about her. How I hoped Tucker still felt the same way.

We still hadn’t talked. Later that night, he’d called to let me know that his family was flying up to Dallas for the weekend to visit his mom’s family. A last-minute trip since his grandparents apparently decided to go on a cruise for the holidays when they’d normally visit.

We’d been texting, but it had all been surface level. It was days later, and nothing had been solved.Here’s to hoping it’s because we’d both rather do it in person.

“Where’s Tucker?” Emma asked when she joined us at our table that Monday for lunch.

“Dallas,” I replied. “He’ll be getting back later today before the game.” Jet frowned, looking confused. “What?”

He opened his mouth and then closed it, Annie, Emma, and I all giving him funny looks.

“What is it, babe?”

“He, uh, texted me earlier. They got back a couple of hours ago. He’s just not coming to school today. He didn’t tell you?”

It was like a stab to the chest, and my voice went flat. “No.”I guess we’re still fighting after all.Or whatever it was we were doing. It wasn’t normal. I poked at my food, no longer feeling hungry.

Annie toed my shin under the table, and I felt her quiet urge telling me I needed to eat. I forced another bite, the texture like sandpaper.

“I’m sorry,” Emma offered. “I didn’t mean to make things awkward.”

“Don’t worry about it, Ems.” Annie gave her a reassuring smile. “Just our own outside drama.”

She nodded, but I could see the sting of rejection that she was out of the loop.

“Tucker and I sort of got into a fight Friday before he left, and I thought we were kind of on the same page of making up,” I offered. “But please don’t tell anyone.” The last thing I needed was it getting around school that Tucker and I might be having issues. We were going to have enough drama and rumors coming up soon without that.

“Of course I won’t.” Emma gave me a sympathetic smile. “I hope y’all work it out soon. Y’all are so amazing together.”

She looked wistful, and I thought to ask, “How are things going with Liam?”

“Oh.” She waved a dismissive hand. “That was just for homecoming. He’s great and all, but I’m happy being single for now. There’s someone else kind of on my radar, but I know I’m not on theirs.”

“Who?” Annie and I perked up.

Emma scrunched her features, clearly debating before shaking her head. “I’d rather just leave it. It’s really better if it doesn’t pan out.”

Okay, well that’s a little weird. But if she didn’t want to talk, I understood.

I peeked at my phone as my friends fell into another conversation, hoping Tucker had sent a text and I’d just missed it, but no. There was nothing.

I was tired of the awkwardness.

Me: I hear you’re back home.

I didn’t hear anything back until sixth period.

Tucker: Crazy busy weekend. Took the day to rest.

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